General David Petraeus illuminates two grand military issues at just the right moment: officer corps character and flag officer performance. Petraeus could be the poster child for a clueless Gilbert and Sullivan character too -- "The very model of a modern major-general." Major-general was the highest rank to which an officer might aspire to in the last century. Grade inflation has created the contemporary glut of four stars, including Petraeus.

Some truth, but he’s painting with a pretty broad brush. I knew a lot of Officers who went on unaccompanied tours and didn’t fool around. Plenty of Enlisted Soldiers, too. You can make the Officer programs as moral as you want, but the cadets and candidates have 18 years of American culture before they show up for training. Honestly, don’t look to West Point or the Army for Petraeus’ problems. He is first and foremost, an American.

8
posted on 11/15/2012 11:55:59 AM PST
by blueunicorn6
("A crack shot and a good dancer")

"The very model of a modern major-general." Major-general was the highest rank to which an officer might aspire to in the last century

Whenever I read something that blatantly inaccurate it always calls into question the rest of the piece. A major general is two stars...There were hundreds of three star (lieutenant general) and four star (general) officers in the 20th century (which was the "last century"), and even a few five stars. (I'm including admirals as well as generals...all flag officers).

A couple of days ago I remarked to my wife that these revelations made me really glad I retired as a Colonel. I spared myself and my family from getting involved in the corruption among the Flag ranks. At the time I retired, I didn't know how bad it was, but apparently it was pretty bad then already. Now it's incredible.

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